Cura
Cura is a free, open-source slicing software for 3D printing that converts 3D models into G-code instructions that control FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printers. It is widely used by hobbyists, makers, engineers, and professionals to prepare models for printing, with features including print-time estimation, material management, support generation, and compatibility with hundreds of printer models from Ultimaker, Prusa, Creality, and other manufacturers. The software supports multiple input formats and provides both a full-featured UI and command-line operation for batch processing.
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1 suggestionCura now ships a native Apple Silicon build, confirmed available in version 5.x onwards as of August 2025. If your copy is an older Intel-only build running under Rosetta, update directly from cura-slicer.org — the download page offers separate installers for Intel and Apple Silicon, so be sure to select the "macOS ARM" option (not the Intel version) to get the native build. The native version will run significantly faster and with better battery life than the Rosetta-emulated Intel build. Existing profiles, settings, and printer configurations carry over without manual migration.
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